STUDENT LIFE

Jan - Apr 2014

Designed by Michelle Mwikali

Croydon College students getting

involved!

UNICEF Pledge Awards Update

City Safe Project

Croydon College students have been praised for their generosity after recently donating 2,200 items of non-perishable food to the Croydon Food Network as part of the borough competition. This food fed an additional 38 families during the 12 days of Christmas. Students from the UNICEF Steering group and the UNICEF Ambassadors were invited to the Town Hall on Thursday 16th January to receive an award for ‘outstanding achievement’ in the Croydon Council ‘Fill that Trolley’ Food Donation Competition. Several UNICEF

Steering group members began networking with key dignitaries at the event with the aim of getting support for new projects being planned. Echez Ubaka, Voluntary Sector Officer for Croydon Council, said: ‘I met with the UNICEF group late last year and was very impressed with them as they were so keen to support those less fortunate than themselves. In fact, one of the Croydon Food Network volunteers who helped sort and box the food commented that she was truly overwhelmed by their food donations.’

Students Getting Involved!Croydon Council ‘Fill that Trolley Award’

Following the success of the Food Trolley campaign in December the UNICEF Steering Group members acknowledged that feeding families for 12 days was extremely worthwhile but also noted that this was a temporary solution to a vital social issue. The group decided to organise a high profile ‘Hope for the Homeless’ Conference targeting young people from across the borough and inviting key external agencies that work with those in poverty, especially those who are homeless. The aim was to focus on the ethos of ‘Hand Up not Hand Out’ whilst raising awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness in the borough. The UNICEF Steering group also wanted to offer the opportunity to generate both discussion and action to tackle these problems. They were very keen to host a meal for the homeless in collaboration with the support teams who work with vulnerable groups. Members of the UNICEF Steering group collaborated with a range of students from Hospitality, Art & Design and Level 3 Travel & Tourism to support the event making this a college wide student–led

initiative. Over 80 young people including pupils from Thomas More School engaged with interactive workshops, inspirational speakers and a Q&A panel.

Guests included Cllr Yvette Hopley - the Mayor of Croydon, David Morris -Housing Strategy Manager Croydon Council, Jad Adams - Chair of Nightwatch, Paul Coleman - Clinical lead for NHS with key organisations including the Salvation Army and Passage to name but a few.

89% of the young people questioned stated that they had improved their knowledge about the issues of homelessness, with 97% saying that they would recommend the event to others.

The interaction between the UNICEF steering group and the homeless during the ‘Dinner with Friends’ was simply wonderful to watch, with a number of student opinions changing. ‘It was very humbling that we had the opportunity to meet a number of homeless people. Each and every one of them had a different story, which was just

as moving as the last, and it was amazing to be able to sit down and share a meal with these people who have nothing’ - UNICEF Steering group member.

It was truly an inspirational although exhausting day and testament to the students’ professionalism and commitment, with every aspect being planned, led and implemented by the students from guest lists, meeting and greeting, cooking to hosting both events and all on a voluntary basis. The UNICEF Steering group are now planning to offer IT and Hospitality short taster sessions for the homeless to be delivered by students and they will be collaborating with the Salvation Army to take this forward next term.

UNICEF

‘Hope for the Homeless - A Hand up not a Hand Out’ Conference The UNICEF Steering Group

Once again students have been working with UNICEF UK to campaign about Climate change issues across the globe. Ideas to meet this challenge include developing an education programme for children across the borough through informative and interactive assembly sessions. A Climate Change Conference took place in February with 60 local Primary School children to reinforce the message that they have the right to be heard on matters that affect them.

The UNICEF Steering group prepared and planned all the resources and activities for the session which the head Teacher was so impressed with that she took copies of every resource.

The Hospitably group and the Science Eco group joined forces with the UNICEF Steering group to consolidate the message and to deliver a stronger message across the college body about the importance of Climate Change.

Student-led events have contributed to the wider community and developed the skills and confidence of the students involved in the organisation of these events.

Female Genital Mutilation project - UNICEF Intern

UNICEF UK – Climate change Campaign

Christina Ramsay, the UNICEF Intern, has been working hard to plan an event to raise awareness about this basic human right. Students from Health & Social Care Level 1, Childcare Level 1 and 2 as well as Access have been volunteering to join the newly formed college FGM Society with Christina following her presentations in their classes.

The aim of the FGM Event is to encourage international charities, students and national organisations to engage in a forum, where a strategy on efforts that could possibly strengthen the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 can be developed. This is important because FGM crosses over into the Health, Home Office, and Justice System and Education sector. This will in turn challenge the cultural misconceptions that derive from practicing FGM. The FGM Event is also an opportunity for an array of organisations to network as well. It is also hoped to challenge the Coalition government and Croydon Council.

‘As a UNICEF Intern, it is my duty to educate students and members of staff about the horrific consequences of practicing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) within the United Kingdom. Croydon College is the only Rights respecting institution in the UK. For this reason it is imperative that we uphold our responsibility to protect the human rights and civil liberties of our students’. Christina

GET INVOLVED and sign the e-petition in regards to showing the government that you are against FGM:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/52740

Bake Sale for NSPCC & Cancer ResearchThe event was held in the ground floor Rotunda at College. As soon as I sent emails to NSPCC & Cancer Research, they sent tablecloths, information leaflets and other promotional materials for use during the event. We raised a grand total of £214.00 selling cakes of all shapes and sizes, vegetable samosas, vegetable spring rolls, chickpeas and vegetable macaroni. Our student helpers even offered hand painting with various Henna designs.

‘We were supported by

the Head of Student Life & Pastoral Care, and her team who were instrumental in helping us, UCC (BA) Business Level 6 students made the event a success. The venue and timings were ideal, the staff and students that made purchases from us were so pleased; some asked whether we were going to be doing it every week! I did reassure them though that once other students noticed us demonstrating our business and marketing skills they would want to follow suit.’

Aliya Mullani,Business & Management (BA Hons)

UNICEF

UNICEF Pledge Awards Update

SLLD and Pathway Student Cake and jewellery sales The Pathway SLDD students have planned and organised two sales in the main entrance to support British Heart Foundation and raised over £80 which was presented to the British Heart Foundation team.

H/S Care and Childcare As part of the Curriculum Enrichment Pledge sessions various students are still leading on projects in the local community that benefit others including a collection for the homeless and Children in Need.

As part of her UNICEF Platinum Pledge Award, Gloria Nsiah, Health & Social Care level 2, has been leading a large group of volunteers since November planning a range of activities for the forthcoming Refugee Week celebrations in the college. This has included some singing and a cultural fashion show and the volunteers have been meeting in the Student Common room on a weekly basis.

Refugee Week Event

The Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy trust have partnered with AQA to deliver a programme titled ‘Unlocking Potential’, which targets young people aged between 14 -19 years who would benefit from one-to-one mentoring by an inspiring elite athlete mentor. The programme aims to motivate and inspire young people to discover and develop their strengths and make the most of their potential, whatever direction that takes them in.

Joshua Green who is studying a Public Services course has been nominated to join the mentoring programme and to work together with an athlete mentor. They work in groups and one-to-one over seven months to plan and deliver a project, which benefits their local community. If successful Joshua will receive dedicated support

from inspiring role models and he will have an opportunity to pass on how he has overcome any challenges and succeeded in life.

The Dame Kelly Holmes Mentor Award

UNICEF

Students have shown great initiative in researching, planning, leading and running events concerning issues they care about. Students have chosen to represent and further causes which they as individuals are passionate about, and it is their passion which has widened understanding of those issues.

Student Anti-bullying Progress reportSince being formed in September 2013 one of the first achievements of the group was to agree a definition of bullying for the college. The group went on to create an anti-bullying logo and the slogan “a voice to be remembered”.The number of students that responded to the survey was over 700 and this helped to create a definition for bullying. They have decided to create different accounts for social networking sites using the name (Anti-bulling group at Croydon College) and so far have open forums on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where the group communicate with each other and a few members have written anti-bullying poems that they have shared.The group has also discussed making a short film to be shown on Moodle where they can introduce themselves to

other students and further raise awareness of bullying issues.A second survey was designed by the group in February 2014 during LGBT month and based on issues surrounding the Russian Winter Olympics, had over 135 responses. The aim was to raise awareness of the injustices being endured by LGBT communities and Equal Rights. Over 100 students reported that they felt comfortable about LGBT issues and the group were able to inform students about issues occurring in Russia.All students in their Curriculum Enrichment Sessions have been reviewing the new ‘Cyber Safety’ page on Moodle before any final decisions are taken about the design and content of this site. The anti-bullying group members held the first movie day screening which was a pilot for future screenings in the College. The pilot was a success because there was a turnout of over 20 students who had bought

tickets and came to support the group.The Anti-Bullying Group aims to support and promote the right that young people have to be protected from physical and emotional harassment and abuse as all students in the group are currently undertaking cyber mentor training so that they can become mentors and help other students in the college. The college has been in communication with Beatbullying UK to arrange training so that the group can be of service to students in the college and also on the social networking sites. Sonia Goldson (Student Life) has negotiated life coach mentoring for the over 18’s with Beatbullying agreeing to train the group free of charge. In return the Anti-Bullying group will organise and hold a number of focus groups across the college. The students will begin training after the Easter half term holiday.

The Anti-Bullying Student Group

Students working with London Citizens met the director of the Whitgift Centre Andrew Bauer during the February half term The meeting was chaired by Cuba Riggs and Kamila Gut and they were incredibly impressive in their first ever negotiation. Serra, Patricia, and Kulayvani also had key speaking roles in the meeting as well as three Coulsdon college students.

After some quite tense negotiations, Andrew Bauer agreed to make the whole

Whitgift Centre a safe haven! He arranged to meet a couple of times in March in the lead up to a big public launch in April with extensive media coverage. ‘On top of the sessions in their timetable, that held an extra session in lunch time, and gave up a morning of their half term to ensure they were prepared to make this happen. I think they learnt a tremendous amount and should be proud of themselves,’ said James Asfa (City Safe Co ordinator). In the Croydon Advertiser

article, Andrew Bauer said of the students; ‘It was because they were so forthright and committed that I thought if they have these concerns, let’s do something about it. So massive credit to them’.

‘It has been an awesome experience knowing that we have contributed to such a worthwhile initiative as well as those college students who already have gained the City Safe status for the Student Common Room’ added Kamila.

CITIZENSHIP

City Safe Project

Speakers’ Corner Trust is a charity which promotes free expression, public debate and active citizenship as a means of stimulating civil society in the UK and supporting its development in emerging democracies. A group of partners from across the borough and including the college have been meeting at the college on a regular basis with the aim of establishing a Speakers’ Corner project to the local community and to

showcase Croydon.

The principal purposes of a Speakers’ Corner Committee are to ‘own’ the project as an independent group collectively representing the broad cross section of the local community and to provide direction and oversight and contribute ideas and contacts. The group also are responsible for the facilitation, promotion and/or support of events. Students are now working with the

Committee looking at how this initiative can be attractive to young people in the borough and to offer their expertise in the design of posters and media coverage for the project. Peter Bradley from Speakers’ Corner Trust visited the college and introduced a brief for the logo design for the new Croydon Speakers’ Corner plinth to Graphic Design Students.

A group of Level 3 Hospitality students have been working on a project to improve recycling practices in the college kitchens and restaurant. A comprehensive audit of current practices has been undertaken as well as holding meetings with key college and borough staff so that their proposal for improvements can be finalised before presenting ideas to the relevant college managers. They were asked by the UNICEF Steering group

to support the Homeless meal. This included liaising with the Salvation Army about the most appropriate food to cook and then buying the ingredients with money raised by college students. The group also encouraged other volunteers from the Division to cook and serve the meal. The homeless guests returned for three helping of the Shepherd’s pie and all of them took away with them the jam sponge left overs.

This group will be working towards the planning and delivery of the ‘Big Lunch’ as part of the borough events and will be welcoming special guests in collaboration with Age Concern.

The Croydon Speakers’ Corner project

Hospitality Recycling Project

CITIZENSHIP

The campaign to get justice for a family whose father, Darius Evangelista was arrested on suspicion of theft,

but then never seen again has been launched by Amnesty International. Other offenders present at

the time state that he was taken away and beaten by officers before disappearing. Months later, a beheaded

body was found and believed to be Darius.

HE students that were on placement worked hard across the college and successfully got 38 signed

letters to send to the Police chief in the Philippines to put the pressure on to get justice for the Evangelista

family.

The intention of the new Curriculum Enrichment lessons which is part of the college Programme of Study is to encourage students to aspire to achieve to their full potential whilst promoting active involvement in bringing about positive change in the local and wider community. The UNICEF Pledge Award is the method used to capture all the student volunteering hours completed following the sessions. Every aspect of the Curriculum Enrichment Scheme of Work is designed to promote the development of those skills that will prepare students in gaining meaningful employment.

Did you know?50 students achieved 100% attendance and punctuality from September - October. This increased to 156 students in November – December and 99 students have achieved 100% attendance and punctuality from January - AprilThat is amazing!!!!

What do students think so far about these lessons?85% would recommend the sessions to other students One of the students commented‘I am studying a level 2 course in Hairdressing. On my time table I have Enrichment Classes; I find these classes helpful and enjoyable. My last lesson I had was on Hate Crime. We

spoke about Homophobic people and there was a lot of discussion. Some students were for and some against the acceptance of gay people. I had very strong opinions on this topic as I have recently finished ‘The Challenge Network’ powered by the NCS. I campaigned on LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) Rights, I got over 370 signatures on boycotting the Russian Winter Olympics to the Mayor of Islington North London, and in recognition of my hard work I wanted to share my protesting skills in Enrichment and I felt heard. These Classes should not stop and there should be more of them in Croydon College. Enrichment lessons are very educational, I love the group discussions. In my group the age range is 16-52 all of us share strong opinions, but I think RIGHTS FOR A VOICE should be spoken about more as not everyone respects each other in my group’.

Curriculum Enrichment

ENRICHMENT

To celebrate Sign Language Week (16th – 23rd March) Student Life, in collaboration with the Additional Learning Support (ALS) Team, arranged several British Sign Language (BSL) taster sessions during the week. Students and staff were encouraged to attend in their free time as the timings were dictated by the availability of our hearing impaired learners, who led the sessions as part of their UNICEF Pledge Award. Members of the ALS team supported the event for translation purposes.

Congratulations to both Robert Peters (Dip Carpentry L2) and Krishan Parmar (BTEC

Art & Design L3) who led the very first session teaching the alphabet, which led to the demand for more!

The tasters have been so successful that regular sessions are to be planned for Term 3. Some of the wonderful comments made are shown below this article. If you wish to participate please contact the Student Life Team in the Student Common Room or by email on studentlife@croydon.ac.uk

‘The students who teach the sessions along with the interpreters are great.’ ‘I found the session to be very

good and it has definitely made me want to do a BSL course in September (as I have been contemplating this for over a year).’

‘I think this is a really great and positive way to raise the awareness of the disabilities some of our learners face. It also overcomes isolation and helps learners both hearing and deaf to make friends in a new way.’ Fay Johnson,

Sign Language Week

Croydon College

The College observed Global Awareness Weeks between the 3rd and 14th February. An informative PowerPoint presentation, together with details of other useful activities, was made available on Moodle for students and staff.

Guest speakers from external and internationally recognised organisations such as Save the Children and Oxfam accepted invitations into college to deliver presentations and workshops to our learners about humanitarian and environmental issues.

FairtradeAs part of the Curriculum Enrichment session students were able to develop a fuller understanding about FairTrade practices when they played the ‘Banana Game’. This activity included a role play that was well received by the students with an article about one of the lessons appearing in the Croydon Guardian

Global Awareness Week

Students continue to recognise the changes in themselves brought about as a direct result of their participation in the curriculum enrichment programme.

At the beginning of every term students evaluate the employability skills they believe that they have acquired from the lessons.

Which Employability Skills did students say they had improved in since attending Curriculum Enrichment sessions?Team working Self- Management Communication Positive Attitude

As part of the programme all students are asked to have their Say about issues of concern to them. Over 700 students took part in the Sport & Health Survey which meant we could apply for additional funding to improve the Enrichment sports offer.

What did students identify as the top sport to be added to the Enrichment sports offer next year?Boxing

In response to concerns raised by several students a set of resources and a Gambling Session has been developed for inclusion in the Curriculum Enrichment sessions this term. Once the session has been delivered students are encouraged to complete an online activity on Moodle to further encourage an understanding of the dangers of gambling for young people.

ENRICHMENT

Selected learners were invited to represent the student body at the Croydon College Employability Dinner on Monday 3rd March. They mingled with high profile guests and explained how students at the college are able to increase their employability skills through the wide variety of volunteering opportunities offered. Guests included Tina Oakley - HR Director Gatwick, Robin Giles -Director Toyota, Susan Baxter - Branch Manager John Lewis Partnership, Phil Alexander - Chief Executive Crystal Palace FC, Tony Antoniou and Stewart Wingate - Chief Executive Gatwick. ‘This was a fantastic opportunity for selected students to engage with a number of high profile employers giving them the chance to find out key information that would be useful for other students’. Ryan – Student President.

Croydon College Employability Dinner

The Student Life Team observed the end of the two week celebrations of the Chinese New Year by arranging for our Foundation Learning student groups to attend a practical workshop, here in College. The session was led by staff from the Don Rae Academy.

The students were given a short introduction about the origins of the Chinese New Year celebrations and then taught some of the dance steps that are used during the traditional street processions. They were then given the opportunity to wear an authentic mask whilst moving

around the room. A good time was had by all and the director of the academy wrote:

‘ Yvette (the instructor) had a wonderful time at the college and she was impressed with the progress, attentive skills and behaviour of the students as well as the great support from the staff’.

Auditions for Choir of the Year The Enrichment choir, ‘Mixed Melodyz (MM)’ performed at the auditions for the Choir of the Year event, at Fairfield Halls on Saturday, 8th March. It was a wonderful experience, involving a large variety of choirs drawn from across the country as far afield as Canterbury, Milton Keynes and Southend.Although the choir did not progress past the audition stage our learners agree that they have gained a lot from participating in a formal event, in a bespoke venue which has raised their aspirations.

Mixed Melodyz also performed at the annual Music for Youth Regional Festival, yesterday afternoon, 19th March. Mixed Melodyz, conducted by our own Ayesha Lahai-Taylor, closed the event, held at Fairfield Halls and were very well received by the audience.Although the event was a showcase, rather than a competition, each choir was given feedback by the ‘Music Mentors’ invited by the organisers. The comments were very favourable including;

‘’ You (MM) put your harmonies

together accurately and they are well balanced and fill out your sound beautifully’. The choir were also presented with a certificate which is on display in the Student Common room.

To end the term Mixed Melodyz opened the staff briefing on the 2nd April. Several students commented that they were more nervous about this gig than going on stage at Fairfield Halls! The performance went very well and the staff gave the choir a great reception. What a term!

Lots of exciting performance opportunities this term including:

Chinese New Year

Mixed Melodyz Choir

Classroom sessions were led by Pauline Miller, from Croydon Against Trafficking (CCAT) as well as officers from the Met Police, Trident (Gang Unit). and PREVENT who focus on anti-terrorism issues. The sessions were very well received by the learners. Ben Stopani, Student Life’s own Health & Sport Coordinator, led several Heart Start sessions in the curriculum areas. These are always popular with the students.

The 8th March, is designated as International Women’s Day (IWD). A day set aside to celebrate the global economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. The first IWD was run in 1911 before women even had the right to vote!

Please encourage your learners to view the display in reception (East Wing).The theme for the 2014 celebrations is ‘Inspiring Change’. To mark the occasion an informal workshop exploring the issues that may affect self-esteem amongst young females was held in the Student Common room between 12 - 1pm on Friday, 7th March. Students were asked to choose their favourite and least favourite image from a selection of people cut out from magazines and to explain verbally what they liked and did not like about them. The exercise

stimulated much debate amongst the learners about the ideal size of an individual, the clothes they chose to wear etc.

The Enrichment choir ‘Mixed Melodyz’ performed Labi Siffre’s ‘Something Inside So Strong’ at the auditions for Choir of the Year at Fairfield Halls. The song was originally written as a protest song against Apartheid. The choir chose to dedicate the performance to ‘women around the world’ as the event actually took place on Saturday, 8th March (International Women’s Day).

Much more general information can be found on the official IWD website at the website shown; http://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Don’t Give Up, Trying to Give Up! As part of our observation of National No Smoking Day (12th March) a group of our own UCC Public Health & Social Care BA students ran a stand in reception during the main lunch hour. They promoted the work of Croydon Council’s Smoking Cessation unit where, coincidentally, they happened to be on work placement at the time! An informative display was also on exhibition in the foyer area throughout the remainder of the week. Jimmy Burke (Health Improvement Commissioner - Addictive Behaviours) said ‘We met the students and provided them with Brief Intervention Training in Smoking Cessation. They did very well, were very inquisitive and asked clarifying questions. I had a feeling that despite not having too much knowledge about the subject previously they have taken it very seriously on board’.

ENRICHMENT

National ‘No Smoking Day’

Working Together for a Safer College Week

International Women’s Day

ENRICHMENT

If you would like any other information or would like to join any of the sporting activates please see Ben in the Student Common Room

Heart Start 129 people so far this year have completed the Heart Start certification including guests, staff and students. Some students have declared such an interest that they will be contacting the local voluntary paramedics scheme to further pursue this pathway.

6 Week Salsa programme Every Tuesday 5-6pm in FLG36c 25/02/14 – 01/02/14

Delivered by Salsa Naturally, a huge success with over 20 attendees so far and a real development and interest shown by all who have attended.

South London Table Tennis Championships7th Feb – Students from the college attended to assist with running of the tournament

28th Feb – 7 students entered the high profile tournament including Heidi Thompson who has now qualified to represent south London at the London championships. All the students enjoyed the opportunity and all realised the difference between good fun play standard and serious competition standard. PICTURE – all 7 competitors

Pool Tournament On 18th February we had the individual’s pool

tournament – Alleluia was the winner for a second year in a row. Subhan Amjad who also won a competition last year was the runner up.

Golf programme proving successful. Da-Sheena won the Croydon College league and the Croydon College team won at the skills competition on 14th February.

Football – matches planned, planning an internal 5 A-Side tournament with the winning team being entered into the local UNICEF tournament end of May.

Successful half term match – decided to put new football students versus old football students and it was a comfortable win for the new students winning 6 – 2.

Basketball Successful 1st match against Riddlesdown winning 40 – 29, currently arranging a number of other matches and an internal competition.

Table Tennis league TERM 1 – Top ten.A number of table matches including Whitgift & Wilsons schools (two major table tennis schools) are being arranged.

Jujitsu Event (Saturday 1st Feb)

Sport and Health Activities

I am Sandra Wright and I am a second year student, undertaking a degree in Public Health and Social Care. I am on placement with Student Life. I was rather pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere here. The inclusivity and diversity is amazing. Student Life is all about interaction with students/young people. It’s vibrant; it’s energising and a hub of activity. I have enough material to inform my subject of study. I was a bit sceptical at first; conversely, I would now recommend that other students take their placement here. Never a dull moment and team members are very friendly and helpful.

My name is Dorothy Moyo, I am a 2nd Year Student for Public Health and Social Care at Croydon College. As Public Health is about meeting and working with people, my placement with the Student Life team has helped me to enhance my skills and knowledge, to get involved, and to interact with the young people from different backgrounds. Though challenging sometimes, I have managed to build my confidence with the support of the staff who I find to be very helpful.

Student Life Work placement students

If you are thinking about taking gap year, do pop down and speak to Di in the Student Common Room

You never know - you could be one of the next Interns to work with the Student Life Team!!

Christina Ramsay is the UNICEF Intern and she has been leading on the forthcoming FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Event. She is currently studying International Relations at Queen Mary’s University as well as working as an intern with the Stu-dent Life Team. ‘As an intern I’ve realised I have more skills and attributes to offer in the working environment, by doing the internship it has complimented my studies. I would advise everyone to do an internship to help with their studies. I now have more strengths than weaknesses including the importance of networking, being fearless

when you have an idea, and not taking ‘no’ for an answer

Jo Elmore has decided to take a Gap year following her outstanding A level results and has been working as a Student Life Intern since September. ‘‘Since working with the Student Life team I have met many more people and worked with a wide range of both staff and students. My confidence has really improved and I like the wide vari-ety of work I undertake even if at times it is quite challenging’

Student Life Interns

The Student Parliament Representatives and UNICEF Ambassadors were tasked by the Senior Leadership team to investigate how effectively students are able to identify their employability skills development through Citizenship learning and volunteering. This includes the development of the broader skills relevant to their career aspirations including communication, leadership, problem solving, independent enquiry teamwork and employability. A Volunteer Skills Profile sheet was designed to help students consider which skills they have achieved when they are engaged in the various Student Life activities and how important these skills are in preparing and equipping them to succeed in a work

environment.

UNICEF Audit of Student Voice

As part of the UNICEF Steering group audit, Course Representatives completed an online questionnaire to check that they fully understood their role:

Of the Course Representatives completing the audit it was clear that the majority of Course Representatives have a good understanding the Course Representative role, an area for improvement which was identified in one of the recommendations for improvement from the UNICEF Student Voice Audit in June 2013.

Student Parliament

STUDENT REPRESENTATION

“Be a voice, not an echo.”

Many students do not realise at first how important and widely transferable the skills they have developed can be but come to recognise the broad applicability of the skills learned through the enrichment programme.

Of the Course Representatives completing the audit it was clear that the majority of Course Representatives have a good understanding the Course Representative role, an area for improvement which was identified in one of the recommendations for improvement from the UNICEF Student Voice Audit in June 2013.

The Student Parliament Representatives and UNICEF Ambassadors were tasked by the Senior Leadership team to investigate how effectively students are able to identify their employability skills development through Citizenship learning and volunteering. This includes the development of the broader skills relevant to their career aspirations including communication, leadership, problem solving, independent enquiry teamwork and employability. A Volunteer Skills Profile sheet was designed to help students consider which skills they have achieved when they are engaged in the various Student Life activities and how important these skills are in preparing and equipping them to succeed in a work environment.

Top 10 skills identified by volunteers

34%

37%

33%

30%

36%

57%

31%

33%

35%

28%

Skills Aquired(% Share of total )

STUDENT REPRESENTATION

Many students do not realise at first how important and widely transferable the skills they have developed can be but come to recognise the broad applicability of the skills learned through the enrichment programme.

Communication: This covers verbal and written communication. It’s about being clear, concise and focused; being able to tailor your message for the audience.

Teamwork: You’ll need to prove that you’re a team player but also have the ability to manage and delegate to others and take on responsibility.

Problem solving: You need to display an ability to take a logical and analytical approach to solving problems and resolving issues.

Flexibility: This involves being able to adapt successfully to changing situations & environments

Punctuality: Good timekeeping, ability to be on time.

Listening: This is the ability to understand and accurately interpret information.

Time management: It is being able to prioritise and organise to ensure you are able to complete as many tasks as possible to the best of your ability.

Positivity: Ability to approach tasks and situations with a positive attitude, whether or not you believe you will be immediately able to begin or complete them well.

Employability skills are general skills that are needed to get

most jobs, but they also help you to stay in a job and work

your way to the top.

Recognising your weaknesses: You’ll need to be able to acknowledge where improvements need to be made.

Recognising your strengths: The ability to acknowledge what you are good at, and to recognise how and when to best use your skills.

Forthcoming Events

Student Elections.FGM Event.Refugee Week.Student Life Taster Days.UNICEF Pledge Awards Ceremony.UNICEF UK Trafficking Project.The BIG Lunch in partnership with Age Concern UK (Croydon), CooperativeFairTrade and Croydon Borough.Volunteer ‘Mock Interviews’ with External Employers.